Fans at Game 4 between the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers at Staples Center got into a brawl as bad behavior continues to mar the playoffs.
The basketball during Saturday’s Game 4 between the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers turned incredibly ugly. Unfortunately, the behavior of fans in the stands at Staples Center took an even nastier turn.
Yet another fight broke out at an NBA playoff game.
Kaelen Jones of The Ringer caught the scuffle in the stands on video.
Jones was asked if the Clipper fan in the video started the fight. He clarified with more information.
“Nah, didn’t get the first bit, but guy they removed initiated. Then they separated/jawed,” he tweeted.
Fights have been far too common during the NBA Playoffs
Whether or not it was a Suns or Clippers fan who set the whole thing off doesn’t change the fact that this kind of behavior has no place at NBA arenas.
The joy of having fans back in the stands is being eroded by regular incidents of people getting out of control. There has to be a way for people to show their passion for their team without it devolving into punches.
The Suns have already had to release a statement about fan behavior this postseason. The Clippers fan apparently initiated this latest incident, but the message still isn’t getting through.
The best solution would be for fans to behave with maturity when they’re at a game. Absent that, the NBA may have to take more drastic steps to get this issue under control.
On the court, it wasn’t pretty, but Phoenix grabbed a huge win in Los Angeles, 84-80. The Clippers fought back from a deficit to make it close entering the fourth quarter, but poor shooting from both sides kept the finish from producing any fireworks.
LA now trails 3-1 in the series and faces elimination heading back to Arizona for Game 5.